Vijay Sethupathi’s film Baththa is expanding to over 700 cinemas across India. The film released on October 1 and has found strong audience demand.

The expansion covers the North India belt, including Mumbai, Delhi, Lucknow and Noida. The film is presented by Atlee. The film is set in Madras in 1986. It follows a feared gangster who is locked in a deserted school restroom by an eight-year-old boy. It is directed by Balaji Tharaneetharan and co-stars Lijomol Jose.

The wider release responds to demand from Hindi-speaking audiences. The film earned Rs 6.95 crore net in its first three days, according to trade trackers. Atlee said he would love to take the film to the Oscars. The makers expect the larger screen count to boost the film’s box office.

Baththa is directed by an emerging filmmaker and features Vijay Sethupathi in an intense role. The unusual pairing of the gangster drama with a child character has drawn attention. The film is playing in Tamil and Hindi versions.